Instead, a weave of narrow lanes lined with workshops and stalls are set back into the old canal horse stables like caves. Most of the buildings around the old stables were preserved 20 years ago and in places it feels like you're back in the 1970's when it was first set up as a market.
Walking through you come across random shops, one, a 'punk rock' shop, has been set up within the red brick arches of the old stables. It's decked out with strobe lighting, 'rave clothing' and mannequins with gills and 'Terminator'-like robotic arms! all accompanied by heavy trance music, it's like walking into another world.
Another gem you might stumble across, even if its only for the ornate carved stairwell, is the Gilgamesh restaurant. Every carving is different and tells the tale of Gilgamesh, a mythological Sumerian King. Actually everything is hand crafted, from the walls to the furniture, even the rubbish bin outside! It unfortunately wasn't open at 11am but I hear its definitely something to experience if only once.
As for what's on sale, everything has so much character and I'm sure I've seen half the dresses there on celebrities spotted around town. For a unique, cheap shopping experience or just an experience, its great.. and I don't think I'll be wading through hords of girls in Topshop again.
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